Bill > S1587

This bill modifies the Massachusetts General Laws in Chapter 112, specifically Section 51, to expand the scope of practice for registered dental hygienists by explicitly allowing them to administer nitrous oxide inhalation analgesia. Currently, the law permits dental hygienists to use local anesthesia agents, and this legislation would add nitrous oxide (a type of pain-reducing and anxiety-relieving gas commonly used in dental procedures) to their permitted treatments. By inserting the phrase "and nitrous oxide inhalation analgesia" into the existing statute, the bill enables dental hygienists to provide this form of sedation, potentially increasing patient access to pain management and reducing the need for dentists to perform this specific task. This change represents a small but meaningful expansion of dental hygienists' professional capabilities within the state's regulatory framework.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1587